Getting Tested

It is free to get a COVID-19 test *

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms we recommend you get a test. You can be asked to get tested even if you do not have symptoms.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms and aren't able to access a test during the holidays, stay home and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice.
You should get a COVID-19 test as soon as you can when the testing centre near you has re-opened.

* You may need to pay for a test if it is to enter another country.  

On this page
 

> Northland Testing Centres

> What are the symptoms

> Saliva testing

> Free Rapid Antigen Tests

Saliva Testing

Click here for information about saliva testing including pick up and drop off locations in Northland, for businesses and individuals travelling over the Alert Level boundaries. 

Free Rapid Antigen Tests

Free rapid antigen tests will be available at selected community pharmacies from 15 December 2021 to 31 January 2022.

The tests will be available for travellers leaving Auckland who:

• are not fully vaccinated, and
• are over the age of 12 years and 3 months, and
• do not have COVID-19 symptoms.

Note:  If you are unvaccinated you will require evidence of a test when leaving Auckland, regardless of how long you have been inside the boundary. 

The tests will be also available for travellers from any part of New Zealand who:

• are not fully vaccinated, and
• are over the age of 12 years and 3 months, and
• do not have COVID-19 symptoms, and
• need a negative test result to travel with a transport company, for example Air New Zealand.

Other key information

• Rapid antigen testing is quicker than RT-PCR testing, taking approximately 15-20 minutes, and is supervised by pharmacy staff
• It is recommended that you check with the pharmacy before arriving for a test, as they may ask you to make an appointment
• If you have cold or flu symptoms you cannot have a RAT test – you must have a PCR test as usual, at a Community Based Testing Centre
• If you have no symptoms, and require a test for domestic travel, you are encouraged to have a RAT test to ensure that other services are available to those who have symptoms.

Click here to see locations of Northland pharmacies who are offering RAT testing.

Click here for a list of Northland Community Based Testing Centres (these locations do not offer RAT testing).